Serum biochemical reference intervals for wild dwarf ornate wobbegong sharks (Orectolobus ornatus).

BACKGROUND: Sharks are important to sport and commercial fishing, public aquaria, and research institutions. However, serum biochemical reference values have been established for few species.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to establish serum biochemical reference intervals for wild-caught dwarf ornate wobbegong sharks (Orectolobus ornatus).
METHODS: Fifty wobbegongs were caught, and their health status, sex, length, and weight were evaluated and recorded. Following collection of blood, serum biochemical analytes were measured and analyzed using standard analytical and statistical methods. Combined samples generated means, medians, and reference intervals.
RESULTS: For the measured analytes, means (reference intervals) were as follows: sodium 287 (284-289) mmol/L, chloride 277 (274-280) mmol/L, potassium 5.2 (5.0-5.3) mmol/L, total calcium 4.6 (4.5-4.7) mmol/L, magnesium 1.9 (1.7-2.0) mmol/L, inorganic phosphate 1.8 (1.7-1.9) mmol/L, glucose 2.6 (2.4-2.8) mmol/L, total protein 46 (45-47) g/L, urea 396 (392-401) mmol/L, creatinine ≤ 0.02 mmol/L, total bilirubin 2.0 (1.9-2.1) μmol/L, cholesterol 1.3 (1.2-1.4) mmol/L, triglyceride 0.5 (0.4-0.6) mmol/L, alkaline phosphatase 24 (21-28) U/L, alanine aminotransferase 3 U/L, aspartate aminotransferase 28 (25-31) U/L, creatine kinase 49 (38-59) U/L, and osmolarity 1104 (1094-1114) mmol/L. Serum values were not affected by sex, length, or weight.
CONCLUSIONS: Established reference values will assist with clinical evaluation and treatment of dwarf ornate wobbegongs in aquaria, research institutions, and the wild. ©2011 American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology.